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Signs & Maps

Established Camping

Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument

Saddlehorn Campground, near Fruita, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to soak in the stunning views of the Colorado National Monument. With spacious sites and clean facilities, it’s a great place to set up camp and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you.

Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery, especially from Loop B, where the views are simply incredible. The campground is well-maintained, and many campers appreciate the friendly hosts who are always ready to help. As one reviewer noted, “Great views from B loop,” highlighting the picturesque landscape that makes this campground a must-visit.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of trails nearby, allowing for easy access to hiking and exploring the monument. The canyon rim trail is particularly popular, offering beautiful vistas just a short walk from your campsite. While some campers mentioned that the sites can feel a bit close together, the overall atmosphere remains friendly and welcoming.

If you’re planning a trip, keep in mind that the campground operates from early March to the end of October, making it a prime location for spring and summer adventures. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Saddlehorn Campground is a great base for exploring the natural wonders of Colorado.

Description

National Monument

Colorado National Monument

Overview

Saddlehorn Campground is located within Colorado National Monument which preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. Much more than a monument, towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.

Recreation

Colorado National Monument is famous in cycling communities for its majestic views and challenging climbs, but Historic Rim Rock Drive is also a popular motor tour. Hikers flock to the miles of maintained trails, photographers come year round to capture the spectacular views, and geologists study the unique landscape for its scientific value. Climbers come for the towering sandstone, and wildlife lovers may spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, collared lizards, and many other special creatures.

Natural Features

The campground is nestled within large red rock formations, with pinyon and juniper trees providing adequate shade. There are spectacular views of the Grand Valley to the northwest, and some of the park's most scenic monoliths and canyons to the southeast

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (970) 858-2800.

Nearby Attractions

The cities of Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade boast many urban and agricultural attractions, but there are also abundant recreation areas surrounding the Monument. Among these are McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Highline Lake State Park, and many Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service areas.

Fee Info

Camping fee is $22.00 per night per site. This is in addition to the entrance fee to Colorado National Monument. Access and Senior Pass holders receive a 50% discount for the camping fee--must hold a valid pass. These passes can be purchased at either entrance station. Reservations must be made via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

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Location

Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

Driving: Westbound on Highway I-70 towards Grand Junction, Exit 31 (Horizon Drive): Follow signs through Grand Junction to the east entrance. The visitor center and campground are 19 miles from the east entrance. Eastbound on Highway I-70 take Exit 19 (Fruita): Turn south on Highway 340 to the west entrance, which is approximately three miles from Fruita. The visitor center and campground are four miles up from the west entrance.

Address

1750 Rim Rock Drive
Fruita, CO 81521

Coordinates

39.1048056 N
108.7328611 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

62%
34%
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4.5

out of 5

59 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2024

Great campground with a bit of WiFi

Stayed for 2 night in Sept 24 while traveling with my mother. The bit of AT&T was my mom's favorite part of the site other than the views which it had and a lovely trailhead out of the campground. 

Pros: The trailhead/views, flush toilets, WiFi(At least at our site faceing towards Fruita), trash cans, tables

Cons: Sites were real close together so it really depends on who your next to, for someone like myself with a roof top tent wished the parking spot had been a little flatter, Rec.gov reservations, sandy

The big con of this campground was we had so much difficulty with the Rec.gov app getting a site, but the very helpful folk at the visitor center helped us get a site.

Would definately go there again, just beautiful and jawdropping views, and easy access to the rest of the monument early in the morning

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2024

Great Campground

Came to Grand Junction to get my new Timberleaf Teardrop camper and stayed here three nights. Was so thankful that there was still running water and working toilets! Site was slightly sloped but not bad. Super quiet at night. Saw the Milky Way last night! The park is amazing and offers great views and hikes.

SiteB40
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Scott D., October 24, 2024
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Scott D., October 24, 2024
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Scott D., October 24, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2024

Large private campsite

We arrived just before dark and easily pulled into our site. It was mostly level and we easily leveled our van. We found the restrooms (flush toilets) to be spotless. The campground was very quiet and we could see city lights below. In the morning we enjoyed a peel sunrise view through the junipers. Sadly, we were on a schedule and couldn’t spend much time at the campground, leaving 12 hours after we arrived. Even though the campground is at 5700 feet, it was warm mid September. We kept our side screened door open all night. Would love to come back sometime as the monument looks beautiful!

Site21
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Kim G., September 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Kim G., September 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Kim G., September 11, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2024

Go for the views

Yay! Hosts were great, scenery beyond belief, location, clean facilities, access to the park. Bummer! Campground loudness: very loud neighbors in all directions, including the NPS employee loudly giving his volunteers his opinions on everything first thing Monday morning. Very campground-y. FYI: Cannot use trees for shade/hammocks, dog friendly but don’t plan on taking them off pavement for hiking. Stakes are pointless.

SiteA8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by lisa R., June 26, 2024
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by lisa R., June 26, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2024

Gorgeous place!!!

It was extremely windy when I went so I wasn’t able to fully enjoy. But I will return.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Luke G., June 21, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2023

Beautiful Views

This campground is very well maintained. We stayed in loops A. The sites are spacious. Loop B has incredible views! I felt the sites were spaced fairly well. Restrooms were very clean. Recycle and garbage close by. Visitor center is within walking distance, as well as several trails.

SiteA16
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Carol M., June 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Carol M., June 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Carol M., June 9, 2023
Reviewed May. 16, 2023

Sunrise and Sunset dream

Great campground, quiet at the right times, each spot is fairly private. We were in spot #20 and it was fantastic, I could see spots next to the bathrooms being fairly noisy most the night.

Site20
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Zach W., May 16, 2023
Reviewed May. 1, 2023

Beautiful Quiet, Clean and friendly

We stayed on a sunday night early May. while it was still over 70% full, we found Lot C really quiet. the host was friendly and helpful. the canyon rim trail is beautiful. bathrooms are very clean.

SiteGroup C Site 57
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by BEN F., May 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by BEN F., May 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by BEN F., May 1, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2022

Noisy

Noisy and rude campers walking through my site same group up until 2AM drinking and being loud, I will never go back, camp sites are packed close together, expect generators all day long.

Site24
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2022

Nice minimally developed campground

No hookups. But nice view of the valley below. Camp Host was very friendly and helped us pick a good campsite for truck camper in C-loop (where no generators allowed C-loop only).

SiteC-68
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Stephen , August 28, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2022

Location is perfect

Beautiful views, prime location in one of Colorado's most beautiful areas. Bathrooms were clean, water was readily available.

The downsides are that the sites are pretty close together and not super clearly delineated. I'm sure it depends on the night, but I came on a night when my neighbors on all sides are especially loud, one with loud conversations, one with very unhappy small children.

Site36B
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2022

Recommending to everyone I know

I planned to just drive through the Monument park, but once I got in, I just had to stay. Incredible views, great location in the park, the rangers are delightful, and the campground itself felt far enough from the lights & the city to really enjoy the beauty of it all.

SiteC60
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Elizabeth S., July 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Elizabeth S., July 5, 2022
Reviewed May. 30, 2022

Beautiful area

The area around these campsites is gorgeous and the facilities were very nice. Had plenty of water stations, trash cans, and the bathrooms were clean! However, it is your typical campground. Spaces jammed together (15-30 ft apart) and $22/night for any site, even the FCFS sites in loop C. There is a spot to put your ticket stub on the site, so if you needed to leave for some reason your spot wouldn’t be taken.

SiteLoop C
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Sam P., May 30, 2022
Reviewed May. 23, 2022

Cramped

Campsites are way too close together. Dirty bathrooms they do have hypodermic needle disposal though. Loud music blasting late into the night. Entire family set up their tents as close as possible to our spot. No privacy on this campsite. Great views but not worth putting up with the sites.

Site11
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Kate S., May 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Kate S., May 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Kate S., May 23, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2021

Tight quarters, but great views of Colo Nat'l Monument!

This is an occasional quick hit for us, close to where we live. NO OPEN WOOD FIRES due to natural tinder-box ecosystem. Excellent plumbed restrooms. Very quiet, great variety of high desert wildlife, including deer, bighorn sheep, and small critters. This is an easy stop for I-70 travelers, so reservations are advisable. Be aware of gate fees, and steep grades into and out of the CNM. For an extra thrill, leave "the back way" and see the rest of the park. Visitor's Center is excellent. And please watch your kids and pets! Massive drop-offs are literally everywhere.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Prof K., December 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Prof K., December 31, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2021

Exceptional dry camping in Colorado National Monument

This place is a must. There are some size limitations based on what we saw, so be mindful of that and check ahead of time, but if you can fit absolutely check this place out. Within 5 minutes from the campground are breath-taking views of the monument and less than an hour drive will take you around the rim with dozens of pull-offs to check out the history of the area. 

This national monument has a spectacular history with this relentless individual (Otto) who fought to make this place a protected location because of how beautiful he found it. You will not be disappointed to stop here and check it out. 

On your way down from the monument, check out the dinosaur museum and some of what else Grand Junction has to offer. Great stop!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Michelle  T., November 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Michelle  T., November 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Michelle  T., November 2, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2021

Inside Colorado National Monument

Great price and beautiful views. Some sites are not level -so bring lots of leveling blocks- the game of Tetris. Lots and lots of big horn sheep. Even on in the campground. Most spectacular views in this NM Host was super friendly and helpful

Site5
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by David N., October 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by David N., October 12, 2021
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  • (6) View All
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2021

Hidden gem of Colorado

This park is way less crowded than other areas of Colorado, so you have more of a dispersed feel at the campsites. It was a truly incredible stay - our favorite campground we’ve ever been to. The sites are very clean and have a bit of shade. The views are breathtaking from all around. And at night, the stargazing is insane! We camped in early October and it didn’t get too cold (42 degrees or so).

SiteLoop C
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Kate B., October 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Kate B., October 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Kate B., October 4, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 28, 2021

An amazing campsite in a stunning park.

We were able to stay in the C loop for four nights and were blown away by the scenery not only in the park, but also from our campsite.  The sites were spacious with plenty of privacy, the stars were fantastic at night, the volunteer camp host was extremely friendly, and the bathrooms were impeccably clean.  This stop has been one of the highlights of our trip across the U.S. so far.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2021

Wordless!!!

Wow awesome spot! The views are incredibles!!!!!

Site45 B
Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2021

Great spot!

We loved our one night stay here! The bathrooms were nice and clean. The site was level and there is a lot of variety in each site. Picnic table, charcoal grill provided. The best part, of course, is the nearby scenery. Impressive views and trails are within walking distance, as is the visitor center.

Site11
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Ashton B., September 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Ashton B., September 11, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2021

Fabulous

The best campsite I have ever been in. Spectacular views. Clean toilets and lots of water points. We showed up mid-week end of Aug and it was nearly empty.

Sitec-79
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2021

Great campground with amazing views

Great campground with an amazing view. $22/$11 senior. Loops A-B (sites 2-51) are all reserved and more designed for RVs and TTs. Loop C (sites 52-80) are all first come and cannot be reserved but are limited to tenters, truck campers, van campers...no travel trailers, RVs or schoolies in loop C. Water, trash, recycling and great cell signal on ATT, Verizon and TMobile. Campground host onsite. No wood fires, only charcoal. .

Siteb28
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Greg L., August 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Greg L., August 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Greg L., August 20, 2021
  • (34) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2021

Great views, easy access

After the thunderstorm passed through we had a great time here. The campground was clean, sites are well spaced. Easy access to trails from the campground with stunning views and a beautiful sunset. Site 37B was a few steps from great overlooks.

Site37B
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2021

Favorite Campground

This is one of the greatest campgrounds I have ever stayed at. The B loop site we stayed at was less than 100 ft from amazing sandstone cliffs. Super quiet. Excellent hiking close by. Sites available by reservation, but also C loop is first come first serve. If you haven’t stayed here you are seriously missing out.

SiteB42
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2021

Excellent campground

Campground is clean, has great views, and easy access. Sites are close together but that didn’t matter.

Site10
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Fran M., June 17, 2021
Reviewed May. 16, 2021

Amazing views, good amenities

Many campsite have amazing views of the valley or the monument. Many sites had really unlevel spaces. Creative leveling required. Not designed for big rigs or 5th wheels. Nice canyon rim hikes right from the campsite.

Site42
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 14, 2021

Incredible views! One of our favorite places to camp.

This was our second time staying at Saddlehorn. We learned our lesson the first time: don’t stay on the inside of the loop with a trailer! The sites on the outside of the loop are much bigger and easier to navigate even with a smaller rig like ours.

We stayed in Site 30. Plenty of room to spread out a rug, screen house, chairs, and enjoy our fire bowl at night. The bathroom facilities were clean and there is a water spigot right outside. Definitely worth the $22 to stay here and enjoy the amazing hiking that Colorado National Monument has to offer!

Site30
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Jason F., May 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Jason F., May 14, 2021
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Jason F., May 14, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2020

We had the place to ourselves

Loops B and C are closed this time of year and we had the campground to ourselves, with the exception of a late arriver. We normally look for dispersed, free camping, but this was good as far as paid sites go. And, Colorado Natl. Monument is gorgeous.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Larry H., December 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Larry H., December 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument by Larry H., December 7, 2020
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument has water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument?

    Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument allows vehicles up to 59 feet.

  • Does Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument?

    There are 80 campsites at Saddlehorn Campground — Colorado National Monument and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts